Thanksgiving 2021

Thanksgiving is a time of memories. Memories we have from the past and making new ones.

I know Yvette celebrates with her family. How lucky she is to be born and bred in Charleston and be surrounded by family not just for holidays but all the time.

Chari is not from Charleston, but she has family nearby. Some Thanksgivings she has company and family in town and sometimes not. Knowing her and her husband as I do, I can rest assured that her Christmas decorations will be up, and holiday music will fill the air.

As for me, my children, grandchildren and my sister will arrive from 3 different states. The family will be gathered at the table for the first time in 2 years. Although it has been 4 years, the absence of my husband will still be felt as someone takes his place at the head of the table.

My grandmother used to tell me a story about a little girl and boy that ate too many berries, fell asleep in the forest...like after eating turkey...and then could not find their way home in the dark. It was not meant to scare me. She just wanted to entertain me as my eyes closed to take a nap.

Now that Thanksgiving is right around the corner...I feel that “I ate too much turkey syndrome” coming. I think I buy the largest turkey I can find because we have a guess the weight of the turkey contest and think big is better. Each year I say no more fat birds, but each year I feel like that berry eating little girl. I am lost in my own home after eating too much and may never get out.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and may holiday happiness surround you.